Pacquiao urged by Angara to begin probe on current POC issues

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It seems like the Philippine government wants a hand in the ongoing situation in the POC as well.

Senator Sonny Angara called on Senate Committee on Sports chairman Manny Pacquiao to start an investigation about the eligibility rules on candidates for the POC election as well as about how the POC used a huge amount of cash the PSC gave.

Angara, one of the vice chairmen of the said committee, filed Senate Resolution no. 229 or the "Resolution Directing the Committee on Sports to Conduct an Inquiry, in Aid of Legislation, on the Alleged Unliquidated Funds Released to the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Unjust Imposition of Eligibility Requirements for the Candidates for POC President Thereby Limiting the Participation of Other Members".

In a copy of the said resolution obtained by Dugout Philippines on Wednesday, Angara, who is also the chairman of the SBP, explained, "There is a need to resolve this issue immediately as the continuous turmoil within the POC would hinder development of Philippine sports--a source of national pride and inspiration and an instrument for national-building."

The resolution came at the heels of the disqualification to POC presidential aspirant Ricky Vargas, whose appeal was denied on Monday, leaving incumbent boss Peping Cojuangco all alone in the race and making his fourth term, pending a protest filed by PFF president Nonong Araneta, all but formalized.

Also, the resolution was filed amidst reports that nearly PHP130 million released by the PSC during the term of former Philippine president Noynoy Aquino is yet to be liquidated by the POC.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno